By: Adriana Nakamura
Categories:
Professionals
One of the most difficult parts of working in the beauty industry is building your client list. We go to school, graduate, and are excited to start working. But once we do start working, we quickly find that most employers expect us to build our own book of clients. But you went to school to do what you love every day, how do you even start to get clients in the door?
Get Out and Network
Get to know the people in your town. Attend local events, and if the salon or spa you work for sets up a booth at a local event, volunteer or ask to work it. You can meet plenty of potential clients and exchange information this way. Follow up with everyone you meet, whether it’s with a quick email, phone call (yes, some people still like to talk on the phone), or text.
Don’t forget that if you are in a large salon or spa, the opportunity to network every day is right where you are.
Promote Yourself on Social Media
Another great way to network is via social media. No matter what social media platform you choose, make sure you have a business account that is separate from your personal account to showcase your work. Be sure your contact information is visible and easy to find. And if anyone tries to contact you, reply to them in a timely manner.
You don’t have to post every day or even several times a week, what matters most is that you are posting consistently. Once a week is perfectly fine, and enough to keep your page looking relevant and up to date.
And while you’re at it, follow other businesses, cosmos, estheticians, barbers, etc. that you find interesting. Interact with their content. If you become friendly with any of them and they like your work, they will very likely send you new clients–and you should do the same.
Word-of-Mouth Referrals
Word of mouth is the best type of referral you can get because people trust the opinions of those they know. So if someone has a good experience with you and likes your work, they will very likely be happy to refer friends and family to you. If you are listed online anywhere that you can collect reviews, ask them to leave you one.
Cross Promote
Do you have a friend who offers services that are different from, but complement, yours? Work with them on some cross-promotion to get some of their clients on your books, and vice versa. If you specialize in brow waxing and they specialize in lash extensions, you could offer a wax/lash extension special. Get creative, think about what people want.
All of this may sound like a lot, and sometimes it can feel that way. What matters is that you give the methods that resonate with you a try, and don’t give up. Not every week is going to be booked and busy (which can be true even for seasoned professionals), but try not to let that disappoint you. Have patience and understand that building a clientele truly is a process that takes time. You just have to keep going and don’t give up!
Post Tags:
career, Clients, networking, perseverance
